Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is a significant day celebrated on the eighth day of the nine-day Navratri festival across India. It is a day dedicated to worshipping Mahagauri, the eighth form of the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga. Mahagauri, the embodiment of Adi Shakti (the primordial energy), is believed to fulfill the desires of her devotees. This year, Durga Ashtami and Navami fall on the same day, Friday, October 11, 2024.
According to Hindu mythology, Durga Ashtami marks the day when Goddess Durga triumphed over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This demon had been terrorizing the gods and humans, and even the gods couldn’t defeat him. Seeking help, they turned to Goddess Durga, who engaged in a fierce battle with Mahishasura for nine days and nights. Finally, on the tenth day, she vanquished the demon, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
On Durga Ashtami, devotees observe fasts, offer prayers, and seek blessings from the goddess. One of the important rituals is the kanya puja, where young girls who haven’t yet reached puberty are worshipped as the embodiment of the goddess. These young girls are considered pure and are invited to homes to receive offerings and be honored.
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